U.S. patent application number 12/273485 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for universal credit card apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Technology Licensing Corporation. Invention is credited to J. Carl Cooper.
Application Number | 20090173785 12/273485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23307369 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090173785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooper; J. Carl |
July 9, 2009 |
Universal Credit Card Apparatus and Method
Abstract
The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating
multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit
cards. The invention includes storage of information from which
patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the
spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is
stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This
allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing
convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying
devices.
Inventors: |
Cooper; J. Carl; (Los Gatos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stevens Law Group
1754 Technology Drive, Suite #226
San Jose
CA
95110
US
|
Assignee: |
Technology Licensing
Corporation
Carson City
NV
|
Family ID: |
23307369 |
Appl. No.: |
12/273485 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12015459 |
Jan 16, 2008 |
7530495 |
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12273485 |
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11372254 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
7334732 |
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12015459 |
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10857031 |
May 28, 2004 |
7083094 |
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11372254 |
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09929975 |
Aug 15, 2001 |
6764005 |
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10857031 |
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09109312 |
Jun 30, 1998 |
6308890 |
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09929975 |
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08802672 |
Feb 19, 1997 |
5834747 |
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09109312 |
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08334474 |
Nov 4, 1994 |
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08802672 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/380 ;
235/439; 235/449; 235/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/077 20130101;
G06K 19/06206 20130101; G06K 19/06196 20130101; G06Q 20/342
20130101; G06Q 20/355 20130101; G07F 7/1008 20130101; G06K 19/07703
20130101; G06K 19/06 20130101; G06K 19/06187 20130101; G06Q 20/341
20130101; G07F 7/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/380 ;
235/492; 235/439; 235/449 |
International
Class: |
G06K 19/06 20060101
G06K019/06; G06K 7/01 20060101 G06K007/01 |
Claims
1. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving
account data including account information from a host system
comprising: a carrier having a planar surface said carrier
supporting the components of the apparatus; at least one memory
device, chosen from the group consisting of volatile memory and
nonvolatile memory, affixed to said carrier, for storing account
data including account information for at least one account; an
emitter device, affixed to said carrier, programmed with account
identifier information for wirelessly transmitting account
identifying information to said host system; wherein the emitter
device is configured to identify a user selected account to the
host system; a receiver device, affixed to said carrier, for
receiving account data including account information from said host
system; a display device, affixed to said carrier, for selectively
displaying account information; a control circuit, affixed to said
carrier, coupled to said memory, to said display device and to said
receiver device and which is operable to store account data
including account information received by said receiver device from
the host system into said memory and to cause said account
information stored in said memory to appear on said display device;
a power source, affixed to said carrier, and coupled to at least
one of said memory, said receiver device, said display device and
said control circuit.
2. A universal credit card apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the emitter device further comprises means for providing
programmable patterns to the host system.
3. A universal credit card apparatus according to claim 2
configured on a host system, wherein the emitter device is
configured to identify an account to the host system, wherein the
receiver device is configured to receive the particular account
data including account information from the host system, wherein
the control circuit is configured to cause the particular account
data including account information to be stored in the memory and
to cause said account information, consisting of all or a portion
of said account data, to appear on the display device.
4. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 2 further
comprising an operator interface device, affixed to said carrier,
connected to said control device, operable by a user to select an
account location in said memory in which account data including
account information received from the host system is to be stored;
wherein, the user of the universal credit card apparatus can select
which, of the multiple accounts stored on the card, is to be the
subject of the particular use and, as such, is to receive account
data including account information from the host to be stored in
memory and which account information is displayed on the display
device.
5. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 4 further
comprising at least one account identifier associated with and
stored in said memory with reference to each account stored in said
memory for allowing the selection of an account which is to be the
subject of the use by selecting any one of said account identifiers
for the chosen account; whereby, the user of the universal credit
card can select the account to be used to receive, store and
display account information by specifying the account identifier of
the account.
6. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said
operator interface device is operable by a user to select an
account location in said memory said selection causing said account
information in said selected account location to be displayed on
said display device; whereby, the user of the universal credit card
apparatus can select which account information stored on the card
is to be displayed on the display device.
7. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 6 further
comprising at least one account identifier associated with and
stored in said memory with reference to each account stored in said
memory for allowing the selection of an account which is to be the
subject of the use by referencing any one of said account
identifiers for the chosen account; wherein, the user of the
universal credit card can select the account information to be
displayed on the display device by specifying the account
identifier of the account.
8. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving
account data including account information from a host system
comprising: a carrier having a planar surface said carrier
supporting the components of the apparatus; at least one memory
device, chosen from the group consisting of volatile memory and
nonvolatile memory, affixed to said carrier, for storing account
data including account information for at least one account; an
emitter device, chosen from the group consisting of infrared LEDs,
coils, antenna and transducers, affixed to said carrier, programmed
with account identifier information for transmitting account
identifying information to said host system; a receiver device for
receiving account data including account information from said host
system; a display device chosen from the group consisting of LCDs,
LEDS, CRTs, incandescent displays, florescent displays, flip dot
displays, beepers, buzzers, and vibrators, affixed to said carrier,
for selectively displaying account information; a control circuit,
affixed to said carrier, coupled to said memory, to said display
device and to said receiver device and which is operable to store
account data including account information received by said
receiver device from the host system into said memory and to cause
said account information stored in said memory to appear on said
display device; a power source, affixed to said carrier, and
coupled to at least one of said memory, said receiver device, said
display device and said control circuit.
9. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 8 further
comprising an operator interface device, affixed to said carrier,
connected to said control device, operable by a user to select an
account location in said memory in which account data including
account information received from the host system is to be
stored.
10. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 9 further
comprising at least one account identifier associated with and
stored in said memory with reference to each account stored in said
memory for allowing the selection of an account which is to be the
subject of the use by selecting any one of said account identifiers
for the chosen account; wherein, the user of the universal credit
card can select the account to be used to receive, store and
display account information by specifying the account identifier of
the account.
11. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said
operator interface device is operable by a user to select an
account location in said memory said selection causing said account
information in said selected account location to be displayed on
said display device, wherein the user of the universal credit card
apparatus can select which account information stored on the card
is to be displayed on the display device.
12. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 9 further
comprising at least one account identifier associated with and
stored in said memory with reference to each account stored in said
memory for allowing the selection of an account which is to be the
subject of the use by referencing any one of said account
identifiers for the chosen account; wherein, the user of the
universal credit card can select the account information to be
displayed on the display device by specifying the account
identifier of the account.
13. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving
access to a plurality of accounts including a plurality of account
services and account information to and from a host system
comprising: a carrier having a planar surface said carrier
supporting the components of the apparatus; at least one memory
device, chosen from the group consisting of volatile memory and
nonvolatile memory, carried by said carrier, for storing account
data including account identifying information for more then one
account; an emitter device, chosen from the group consisting of
infrared LEDs, coils, antenna and transducers, carried by said
carrier, user programmable responsive to a user command with a
plurality of sets of account identifying information for
transmitting said account identifying information to said host
system; a receiver device, chosen from the group consisting of
phototransistors and antenna, carried by said carrier, for
receiving account data including account information from said host
system; a display device, carried by said carrier, for selectively
displaying account information; a control circuit, carried by said
carrier, coupled to said memory, to said display device and to said
receiver device and which is operable to store account data
including account information received by said receiver device from
the host system into said memory and to cause said account
information stored in said memory to appear on said display device;
a power source, carried by said carrier, and coupled to at least
one of said memory, said receiver device, said display device and
said control circuit; .
14. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving
account data including account information to and from a host
system comprising: a carrier having a planar surface said carrier
supporting the components of the apparatus; at least one memory
device, chosen from the group consisting of volatile memory and
nonvolatile memory, carried by said carrier, for storing account
data including account information for at least one account; an
emitter device, carried by said carrier, programmed with account
identifier information for wirelessly transmitting account
identifying information to said host system; a receiver device,
carried by said carrier, for receiving account data including
account information from said host system; a display device,
carried by said carrier, for selectively displaying account
information; a control circuit, carried by said carrier, coupled to
said memory, to said display device and to said receiver device and
which is operable to store account data including account
information received by said receiver device from the host system
into said memory and to cause said account information stored in
said memory to appear on said display device; a power source,
carried by said carrier, and coupled to at least one of said
memory, said receiver device, said display device and said control
circuit.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/015,459, filed on Jan. 16, 2008 which is continuation of
application Ser. No. 11/372,254, filed on Mar. 8, 2006 which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 10/857,031, filed on May 28,
2004, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/929,975,
filed on Aug. 15, 2001, which is a divisional application of
application Ser. No. 09/109,312 filed Jun. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,308,890, which itself is a divisional application of
08/802,672 filed Feb. 17, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,747, which
is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/334,474 filed Nov. 4,
1994.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the use of devices having
information or patterns carried in or on some storage media,
examples of which include photographic patterns, keys or the
magnetic strip on credit cards. The invention provides for an
apparatus and method allowing more than one pattern or set of
information to be used with a given type of medium to facilitate
use by the holder thereof with a pattern reading device and to
reduce the numbers of separate information or pattern media
carrying devices which must be used. Other uses and purposes for
the present invention will also become known to one skilled in the
art from the teachings herein.
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The field of the invention includes the storage and use of
information or patterns on or in operator usable medium, examples
including credit cards, keys, holograms, photographs and the like,
by use of various magnetic, electronic, optical and mechanical
devices. Such information or patterns may be known, unknown,
ordered or random, coherent or incoherent, there being no
restriction on the types or nature of information or patterns with
which the invention may be used. The operators may be human, animal
or otherwise, and may involve different operators of different
persons or types at various times.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] It is well known to store particular information or patterns
such as account numbers, bar codes, security codes, etc. on
magnetic and optical storage medium embedded in small, sturdy and
relatively inexpensive carriers such as credit cards. FIG. 1 shows
for example a prior art credit card diagram having a strip of
magnetic material 2 which is embedded in a plastic substrate 1
which magnetic strip carries a pattern of magnetization which is a
magnetic representation of information or patterns relating to the
credit card. FIG. 1 is shown in graphical form with the top and
front edge view of the magnetic strip with a representation of the
magnetic flux pattern recorded therein.
OBJECTS AND DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention described herein provides for a method and
apparatus whereby a plurality of sets of patterns or information
may be stored and utilized by a user. The invention allows access
to numerous accounts, services, features, etc. with just one
storage device, thereby eliminating the need to carry, store,
remember or retain numerous data storage devices, data sets or
patterns. Examples of applications for the present invention
include the magnetic pattern information of a plurality of credit
cards which may be stored in a single convenient card which a user
may carry in order to replace a plurality of individual credit
cards, programmable optical patterns such as bar codes or
photographic patterns utilized for security applications and
programmable key patterns which may be changed to accommodate
different locks of mechanical, optical or electronic type.
[0006] The invention is useful with any sort of storage medium
related to pluralities of sets of information, data or patterns
which are desired to be used by a user. For example the invention
may be used with mechanical, magnetic, electrical, optical, film,
holographic or other recording or storage of information or
patterns as will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the
teachings given herein. The invention thus provides simulation of
multiple sets of data, information or patterns stored in a spatial
pattern by providing a memory or storage device for storing data
from which the spatial patterns may be reconstructed. Also included
is a programmable spatial device capable of reconstructing the
spatial patterns under control of a circuit responsive to an
external inputs which cause the programmable spatial device to be
programmed to reconstruct the spatial patterns from the data stored
in the memory. The spatial patterns may take on multiple dimensions
and may be time varying and the memory may be electronic,
mechanical, optical or other type as will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art from the teachings herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing demonstrating a prior art credit card
with a magnetic stripe.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a drawing demonstrating the preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining the operation of the
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing details of the programmable
magnetic strip of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a cross sectional view
corresponding to FIG. 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the invention as used with a
key.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another mechanical configuration
of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing demonstrating a prior art credit card in
diagram form, having a strip of magnetic material 2 which is
embedded in a plastic substrate 1 which magnetic strip carries a
pattern of magnetization which is a magnetic representation of
information or patterns relating to the credit card. FIG. 1 shown
in graphical form the top and front edge view of the magnetic strip
with a representation of the magnetic flux recorded therein.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, dubbed a multi-card by the inventor, having a
plastic substrate 3, on which is suitably mounted a programmable
magnetic strip 4, an LCD display 5, a solar cell power source 6,
including an electricity storage cell (not shown), an infrared
emitter 7, and infrared sensor 8, and a key pad 9 consisting of 14
operator actuated switches. It will be appreciated that these
switches may be capacitive type touch sensitive sensors or other
types. It will be understood that the programmable magnetic strip 4
may also be of a type which may sense magnetic information or
patterns, and thus may be used as an input or output device.
[0016] Programmable magnetic strip 4 is preferred to be operated to
approximate, duplicate or replicate a magnetic pattern matching the
particular need of the operator in response to the operator's
commands or inputs to the card as will be described in more detail
below.
[0017] In operation, the multi-card has stored in it several sets
of data corresponding to account related information or patterns
for different credit cards, identification cards and the like.
Power for the operation of the device is provided by a solar cell,
which power is stored in a storage battery. The battery is
preferred to be replaceable with a charged battery for those
applications where the solar cell does not receive enough light to
operate the multi-card, however it is preferred that devices which
make use of the multi-card provide sufficient illumination to the
solar cell to power the device.
[0018] To operate the multi-card, the operator simply presses a
given key, which may be a touch sensitive pad, which causes
multi-card to activate and the display 5 to display which account
is associated with that key. If the operator forgets which key is
associated with a wanted account, he may simply operate all keys in
sequence until the correct account is selected. It will be
understood that it is also possible to provide only one key, with a
different account called up for each press.
[0019] When each account is called, the magnetic data for that
account is loaded into the magnetic strip 4, causing the magnetic
strip to simulate the magnetic strip on the prior art type card by
emulating, approximating, replicating or duplicating the magnetic
pattern, depending on the accuracy required by the device reading
the pattern. The control of the accuracy provided may be provided
by the operator, or may be automatic in response to feedback (or
lack thereof) by the device using the card. In this fashion, the
multi-card may then be placed into a card reader or other device
which reads the magnetic pattern from the magnetic strip to allow
the holder access to the account, services or features associated
with the stored data or pattern.
[0020] It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art
from the teachings herein that the invention allows access to
numerous accounts, services, features, etc. with just one card
thereby eliminating the need to carry, store or retain numerous
cards. Other features may be combined with the invention as well,
or as the case may be the invention may be combined with other
functions, examples including personal reminder and memory
capability, calculator and clock or even telephone and television
functions.
[0021] Other sequences of operation of the invention may be
utilized as well. For example, the key pad may be used to enter a
convenient select designator, for example a BC representing bank
card or a PBC indicating personal bank card, or any other
convenient select designator. The select designator will then cause
the account identifier to be displayed on 5 and the proper pattern
loaded into 4. In addition, the loading of pattern into 4 may be
caused to occur only when another command is generated by the
operator, or only upon or after insertion of the card in a device
which uses it. These operations are considered to be novel features
of the invention.
[0022] It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that elements 3 and 5-9 are well known and commonly found and
utilized in the industry and may be controlled by a microprocessor
with their application and use in the preferred embodiment of the
invention being within the capability of one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows an top and side views of an alternate
mechanical embodiment similar to FIG. 2. The mechanical embodiment
of FIG. 7 has the advantage of allowing a larger space for the
electronics while maintaining a thin cross section in the "card"
area, thus allowing easier fabrication.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the multi-card and a supporting
console which may be used to store information or patterns in the
multi-card or recover information or patterns from the multi-card,
or another card. A control circuit 11, which is preferred to be a
microprocessor such as an Intel 80C31 or which may have internal
ROM, ram and nonvolatile ram as is known in the industry, is
utilized to control and operate the various elements of the
multi-card.
[0025] As an example the Intel 80C31 series microcontroller is well
suited to the control task. When the 80C31 is coupled with a
nonvolatile ram such as the Xicor X2444 available from Xicor, Inc.
1511 Buckeye Drive, Milpitas, Calif., a keypad such as can be
easily constructed with the ITT Schadow KSA1M211 switch available
from ITT Schadow Inc. 8081 Wallace Rd., Eden Prairie, Minn., and an
LCD display such as the Optrex DMC20261NY-LY-B, available from
44160 Plymouth Oaks Blvd., Plymouth, Mich., the invention
components may be readily constructed. A 16 keypad matrix in
4.times.4 form (not all 16 need be used) is preferably configured
on the 8 P1 port connections, the LCD is preferably configured on
the P0 data port under write control as addressed by the P2 data
port and controlled by the /WR control. The input/output interface
14 is preferably provided via the TXD/RXD serial ports (alternate
functions provided on the P3 port), and the nonvolatile ram is
preferably configured directly to the /INT0, /INT1 and T0 pins of
the P3 port. The program instructions to run the processor are
preferably stored in an EPROM having data pins coupled to the P0
port and addressed by the P2 port under /RD read control as is
commonly known in the industry. Intel provides a wealth of
information on configuring, programming and operating this and many
other processors, which information is available from Intel
Corporation, 3065 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, Calif.
[0026] The programmable magnetic strip 10 is preferred to contain
multiple inductive coils to generate magnetic fields in response to
current flowing therein, as will be described in more detail below.
The connection of the processor of 11, be it an 80C31 or other type
may be made directly via matrixing of the two connections of the
individual coils in 10, for example as is commonly done to write
(and read from) core type magnetic memory in the computer industry.
Alternately, a large serial shift register array may be loaded with
serial binary data under control of 11 with the array's output
being enabled to a low impedance state from a high impedance state
after loading. The binary data may thus cause the many parallel
outputs, each of which is coupled to a coil, to source electrons
into the coil, or sink electrons from the coil, providing that the
other end of each coil is connected to a voltage source which is
midway between the output's high and low logic level states. To
achieve control over the current flow through the coils, multiple
serial shift registers may be utilized, with several outputs being
coupled to each coil through resistors or other current controlling
circuits, the pattern of data in the several outputs controlling
the current flow.
[0027] Several variations of the suggested elements of the
preferred embodiment may be utilized as will be convenient to
implement particular embodiments of the invention which may be
configured to specific needs and applications, as will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art from the teachings herein.
[0028] The substrate 3 may be of any material on or to which the
other elements may be suitably secured or attached, examples
including the preferred PVC plastic, ceramic, metal and others.
Display 5 which is used to provide messages to the user of the
device may be of any electro optical type such as LCD, LED, CRT,
incandescent, fluorescent, flip dot, etc. or may be of electro
mechanical type such as beeper, buzzer, vibrator, etc., or may be
eliminated in applications where it is not desired to convey
messages to the user, or where messages are conveyed via other
means. Such other means for example include via the device which
reads the magnetic strip 4.
[0029] Power source 6 may be any well known power source, such as
solar cell, battery, electric generator operating to convert motion
to electricity, fuel cell, electromagnetic or electric field
receiver, piezoelectric generator, etc. or any combination
thereof.
[0030] Emitter 7 may be the preferred infrared LED, antenna, coil,
transducer, or any other device capable of conveying information or
patterns from the invention to outside devices, and receiver 8 is
preferred to be a photo transistor but may also be any such
apparatus or device capable of receiving information or patterns
from outside devices to be used by the invention. Either or both of
the emitter and receiver may be eliminated if the capability
provided is not desired, or is otherwise provided for. For example,
the sensing capability of 10 or the input capability of 13 may be
utilized to provide the receiver 8 function and the display 12 may
be utilized to provide the emitter function.
[0031] Touch sensitive key pad 9 may be capacitive, heat sensing,
optical or mechanical switches, etc. or any device capable of
receiving and coupling operator input to the invention. The
operator interface 13 and its key pad 9 may also be eliminated if
no operator interface is desired.
[0032] The control circuit operates with the programmable magnetic
strip 10, examples include those corresponding to 4 of FIG. 2, to
create a predetermined magnetic pattern which may be read by
compatible reading devices, and may also operate in conjunction
with 10 to sense magnetic patterns. Control circuit 11 also drives
the LCD display 12, examples including associated with 5 of FIG. 2,
to display messages to the operator and as signified by the dotted
arrow on the control circuit 11 may also operate interactively with
12. Control circuit 14 operates interactively with the input/output
interface 14, examples including those associated with 7 and 8 of
FIG. 2, to communicate with the console. Control circuit 11 also
operates interactively with operator interface 13, examples
including those corresponding to 9 of FIG. 2, to allow operator
input to the control circuit. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a power
source 15, examples including those associated with 6 of FIG. 2,
and which provides power for the operation of the multi-card. In
the preferred embodiment, 15 includes a replaceable nickel cadmium
battery and solar cell allowing the battery to be replaced and/or
recharged. It is of course possible to use either replaceable or
rechargeable power sources.
[0033] FIG. 3 includes a console comprised of programming circuitry
16 and card reader 17. In operation, the card reader may be
operated to read information or patterns from a particular data
storage medium, examples including the magnetic strip on a credit
card. The information or patterns may be read as the actual data
represented in any of its various forms, or may be read simply as
the representation. With respect to reading a magnetic stripe, the
reader may simply read the magnetic pattern without concern as to
the data represented thereby, or may decode the magnetic pattern
into the encoded (that is represented) data, or may decode the data
to the unencoded (that is unprotected by security scrambling and
the like) data as is convenient. In the preferred embodiment, the
magnetic pattern is simply sensed at a high resolution by moving
the magnetic strip over a magnetic sensor and generating a binary
representation of the polarity of the magnetic field in response
thereto. The resulting binary pattern corresponds to the magnetic
polarity field, in the preferred embodiment at 0.001 inch
increments, giving a linear "snapshot" of the magnetic pattern.
[0034] The binary representation is then coupled to the programming
circuitry 16 (via 14) where an account identifier is associated
therewith to later be displayed on the display 12 when the wanted
corresponding magnetic pattern is recalled from the memory in the
control circuit 11. While called an account identifier, there is no
need that the pattern correspond in any way to an account, and may
well correspond to anything. The account identifier may be thought
up by the operator, may be chosen by the operator from a list or
other source, or may be assigned without operator intervention, for
example preprogrammed in the card which is read or in the control
circuit 11. The input of the account identifier may be via 13 or 16
as is desired. It is however preferred that the operator may have
some choice in the matter in order that an account identifier which
is either convenient to or associated by the operator is used, and
thus it is preferred that 16 contain a keyboard with which the
operator may type in his desired identifier, and the desired key,
key sequence or location associated therewith.
[0035] It is also preferred to associate a select designator with
the binary representation, in order to allow the operator to
utilize the select designator to call up a particular magnetic
pattern. The select designator may be thought up by the operator,
may be chosen by the operator from a list or other source, or may
be assigned without operator intervention, for example
preprogrammed in the card which is read or preprogrammed in the
control circuit 11 at the time of manufacture or other time.
[0036] In operation, it is preferred that there be more than one
method for the operator to call up a wanted pattern. One preferred
way is for the operator to enter the select designator. This causes
the account identifier to be displayed in 12. Alternatively, the
operator may scroll through all the possible sets of data, viewing
each account identifier as it appears until the desired one is
called up, or may key in a more detailed pattern, to call up the
desired account.
[0037] The magnetic pattern (or data represented thereby in some
form) is then caused to be stored in the memory of 11 in a form
which allows it to be associated with the identifier, and
preferably also with some known input terminal or sequence of
terminals of 9. In the preferred embodiment, the operator chooses
an available key of 9 (for example the upper right) or other select
designator, provides an account identifier, (for example BANK CARD)
and the operator choices and data are stored in 11 in a fashion
which associates them all. It is preferred that the data be stored
in nonvolatile memory in order that it will be retained in the
event that the power storage device of 15 is fully discharged or
the control circuit is turned off, for example to save power.
[0038] It is preferred that by utilizing the foregoing programming
procedure, the operator stores the magnetic pattern, account
identifier and desired associated select designator in 11. Upon
subsequent entry of the associated select designator, the control
circuit 11 recalls the associated data corresponding to the
magnetic pattern and the account identifier from memory. The
account identifier is loaded in the display 12 to remind the
operator what the data is associated with, and the magnetic pattern
is caused to be replicated in 10 from the stored data. The
replicated magnetic pattern in 10 may then be utilized to operate a
card reading device to provide the operator access to the account,
services, features or other conveniences associated therewith, and
hence associated with the card which was read by 17.
[0039] It is of course desired to provide the capability of storing
several such sets of associated data, identifier and key in the
memory of 11, and it is further desirable to provide for the
association of multiple select identifiers with a given set of
data. By way of example, in this fashion, a set of data for
generating a magnetic pattern for a company issued bank card may be
called up by use of any of the select identifiers cc, or COCARD or
COMPANY CARD, etc. and another set of data for a personal bank card
may be called up by use of any of the select identifiers PC, PBC,
etc.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the details of the magnetic strip
10 and control circuit 11, including individual electromagnet
coils, one of which is shown as 21 and having electric circuit
connections 22 and 23, and magnetic flux conducting material 20. It
will be recognized that by passing an electric current through a
given coil that a magnetic flux will be created across the
associated gap in the magnetic flux conducting material 20 above
the coil, such as is represented by 24. Furthermore, the flux for
each coil will be largely contained in the gap corresponding to
that coil by the magnetic flux conducting material. The polarity of
the flux may of course be changed by changing the direction of
current flow through the coil, and the intensity of the magnetic
flux may be varied by varying the electric current through the
coil. In this fashion, the original magnetic pattern which was read
by reader 17 may be approximated, duplicated or replicated as
required. While it may be desirable to cause the control circuit 11
to have the ability to vary the accuracy with which it stores the
magnetic data or programs the magnetic strip, it will be recognized
that this is not a requirement, and 11 may simply operate to a
single given accuracy. It may also be noted that the material used
for 20 may be of a type having a large magnetic memory or
hysteresis so that once a magnetic pattern is generated in the
material, the electric current through the coils may be turned off
or reduced and the magnetic field will remain. Techniques which are
used to write and read magnetic core type memory, as well as the
materials used therefore, will be applicable to the generation of
magnetic patterns for 10, and the technology used in the core
industry may be easily adapted to be used in fabricating 10. It
will also be recognized that other methods of creating magnetic
patterns may be utilized as well, such as various chemical, thermal
and optical methods which may be utilized to create magnetic flux
patterns, or to alter existing flux patterns.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a sectional diagram A-A of elements 20-23 of
FIG. 4 and the preferred method of construction thereof. This
method of construction is readily implemented with either
photographic lithography and lamination techniques or with chemical
vapor etching and deposition as are commonly utilized to fabricate
miniature electronic circuits. Other construction methods may be
utilized as well.
[0042] Element 18 is a substrate material, examples including
plastic or ceramic, on which the magnetic coils 21 may be built. a
conductive layer 19 is formed on the substrate in a predetermined
pattern to make up the bottom half of the coils 21. This layer may
be created by depositing or printing a continuous metallic film and
then etching away all but the desired conductive paths, or by
photographically printing the conductive paths. Next, the magnetic
material 20 is formed on top of the bottom conductive paths.
Preferable the magnetic material is an electrically non-conductive
or low conductive material, but if it is conductive, an insulating
layer may first be deposited to prevent it from shorting out the
top and bottom conductive paths. After the magnetic material is
formed the top electrically conductive layer is formed thereover
using the same process as for the bottom, thus completing the coils
21. Finally, conductive wires or circuits 22 and 23 are bonded to
the coils for connection to 11, and the entire magnetic strip is
provided with an environmentally insulating covering if desired to
shield from moisture, corrosion, etc. By utilization of this
method, it will be seen that very low manufacturing cost and small
size may be obtained. It will also be understood that the linear
array of coils is given by way of example with respect to the
preferred embodiment and may be arranged in other than a linear
fashion, for example in circular or three dimensional patterns. It
will also be understood that the magnetic coils may be replaced
with LEDs to create emitted light patterns, or by LCD elements to
create reflected or transmitted light patterns, or by any other
type of energy radiator, absorber or deflector in order that the
invention may be practiced with virtually any sort of emitted,
absorbed or deflected pattern.
[0043] It will be recognized that while the coils may be utilized
to generate a magnetic pattern, they may also be utilized to sense
a magnetic pattern. While some motion is required to generate an
electric current in the coils, this motion may be supplied by the
user. In addition, magneto restrictive materials may also be
adopted to allow sensing of magnetic patterns without motion. One
of ordinary skill in the art will be able to construct such a
device and practice the invention from the teachings of the
preferred embodiment given herein without undue experimentation or
further invention. It will also be recognized that it will be
possible to have magnetic strip 10 sense the magnetic pattern on
another magnetic strip directly, removing the need for card reader
17. It would also be possible to incorporate the programming
circuitry 16 in the control circuit 11, thus completely eliminating
the need for the console of FIG. 3. Once the console is eliminated,
the input/output interface 14 may also be eliminated.
[0044] One skilled in the art will also recognize that an
inexpensive version of the invention may be constructed of simply a
programmable magnetic strip 10 which can both read and simulate a
magnetic pattern, a control circuit 11, an elementary operator
interface 13 and a power source 15.
[0045] Alternatively, instead of a magnetic strip 10 capable of
reading, several preprogrammed magnetic patterns may be programmed
in control circuit 11 upon manufacture, either by storage of the
magnetic patterns, storage of data which may create the magnetic
patterns or storage of an algorithm or method by which the magnetic
pattern may be created in 10 under control of 11. In such a system,
only elements 11 and 10 are absolutely required since it would be
possible for 11 receive commands from the reading device via 10, or
to simply try all stored patterns in 10 upon excitation or
connection of the power source 15.
[0046] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
given by way of example with respect to credit cards having
magnetic strips, it will be recognized that the invention may very
well be adapted for use with other methods of storage and storage
medium. Examples include, simulating two or more dimension
patterns. Optical devices which record data on film in two or more
dimensions may be replaced by liquid crystal or other optical
displays which simulate the patterns recorded on the film.
Holographic recordings may also be simulated by LCD or other
optical displays. Mechanical devices may be replaced by
electromechanical devices in which mechanical dimensions are
adjusted via solenoids, motors, piezoelectric cells or the like.
Keys are an excellent example of a device which may be replaced by
a battery of such adjustable devices.
[0047] In FIG. 6 for example, the device of FIG. 3 may be utilized
in conjunction with micro machines in order to create an adjustable
key in which the operator selects an identifier corresponding to
the particular lock which he wishes to unlock. The device uses
electromagnetically driven micromotors and worm screws to adjust
the serrated edge on the key to fit the lock. A sectional view of
the device is shown in which a standard key blank 25 is machined to
couple to a bank of micro motors or solenoids 26, each of which is
connected via a worm screw to a flexible shaft or wire which
extends to the serrated edge of the key.
[0048] By way of example, micromotor 27 is coupled to flexible
shaft 28 which passes through a hollow portion of the key blank 25
to the serrated edge where it protrudes through the blank at 29.
Individual channels may be micromachined for the flexible shafts,
or the shafts may simply be sized to fill the slot in the key
blank, or bundled together to prevent lateral displacement which
would affect the protrusion distance from the edge of the key blank
at 29. The micromotor 27, via the screw, adjusts the position of
the end of 28 to thereby control the length of protrusion of the
other end at 29, thus adjusting the depth of the serration at that
point. All of the micromotors in the bank 26 are coupled to the
control circuit 11 of FIG. 3 by a suitable coupling. In this
fashion, the key may be adjusted to fit different locks as desired
by the operator. In this example, card reader 17 may be replaced
with a key reader in order that the serration pattern of precut
keys may be read into 11 and stored, along with account
identifiers, select designators, etc. as previously described.
[0049] In view of continuing development of micro machines on
silicon wafers by use of semiconductor fabrication techniques, it
is envisioned that it will be possible to manufacture both electro
mechanical components such as solenoids and the corresponding
electrical control circuitry all on the same semiconductor
substrate. In this fashion, it would be possible to manufacture the
invention of FIG. 6, including the necessary control circuitry of
FIG. 3 entirely with existing semiconductor fabrication
technology.
[0050] It would also be convenient to replace the electronic
storage of different patterns with a mechanical or other storage of
patterns, for example with respect to the key of FIG. 6 on a
rotating cam shaft, shown as 27 of the inset, which would be
rotated to adjust the height of spring loaded pins on the key, the
springs holding the pins against the cams. While the configuration
of the inset would require a fairly wide key, the camshaft could
also be located entirely within the handle of the key and be
coupled to the spring loaded pins via flexible shafts or wires 28
as with the micromotor actuator 26. The account identifiers or
select identifiers can be engraved directly on the end of the
shaft. It will be understood that the flexible shafts may be
arranged in other than a linear fashion, for example in circular or
three dimensional patterns.
[0051] The invention described herein by way of explanation of the
preferred embodiment may be practiced with numerous changes in the
arrangement, structure and combination of the individual elements,
as well as with substitution of equivalent functions and circuits
for the elements in order to optimize the invention for a
particular application, all without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *